A few things are as scary as getting injured in an on-road accident. Sadly, traffic collisions are rather common in Kentucky, and more than 800 fatalities were reported in the state in 2023 alone, which include bicyclists and pedestrians. If you were hurt in a car crash in Louisville, you have to act immediately to protect your claim. The first thing that needs attention is the no-fault insurance process in Kentucky. That means you usually have to go to your carrier to recover compensation unless your policy allows you to step out of the no-fault system or when you have sustained severe injuries. The best way to know the worth and merit of your case is to meet an injury lawyer, and you can connect with car accident attorneys of Noakes Law Group for a free consultation. Here is an overview of Kentucky laws.
Overview of the statute of limitations
If your claim allows you to step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver, you must adhere to the deadline as stated by the statute of limitations. According to Kentucky’s statute of limitations, you have two years to file a car accident lawsuit, and this is only for civil lawsuits and not insurance claims. Insurance claims must be pursued within a reasonable time. Even if you want to sue for just property or vehicle damage, the two-year cap remains the same. Remember, if you believe that your claim will be settled through insurance, you should still keep some time aside so that you can sue the other party, if applicable.
A look at the pure comparative fault rule
Car accidents are hard to investigate, and it is often more complex when more than one driver is liable for the mishap. If you share the blame for the situation, your ability to sue the other party will also depend on the extent of your fault. In that context, Kentucky is a pure comparative fault state. Even if you are more than 50% at fault, you can still file a lawsuit against the other at-fault driver, although your compensation will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you were 40% at fault and won a compensation of $100,000, you can only recover $60,000. The situation could be more intricate if two or more drivers were involved in the accident.
Get an attorney soon
Despite learning about car accident laws, fighting for compensation in Louisville is not an easy task. You don’t know the tricks and ways the insurance carrier would use to reduce your compensation, and the first offer is unlikely to cover all losses. Instead, meet a personal injury lawyer who can help with your case and has experience with car accident claims and lawsuits. The sooner you get an attorney, the more time they will have to work on the case. Also, recovering evidence in the initial stages is way easier than a year later.
Finding an accident lawyer in Louisville
As in most industries, they are good and bad lawyers. You have to find someone with expertise, and besides the ability to negotiate with insurance adjusters, a lawyer should have trial experience. Don’t shy away from asking challenging questions about their profile. Also, the first meeting with an injury lawyer doesn’t cost anything, and it is best to have queries about your claim. You want to know what the case is worth and whether it is a good idea to invest resources and time. You can also compare local attorneys based on ratings, feedback, and testimonials on social media.
Shortlist car accident lawyers in Louisville immediately and start working on your claim.